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Press Release

NEW APPROACH TO PARKING BAY SUSPENSIONS ANNOUNCED

18 October 2006

Ground-breaking new measures to tackle suspended parking bay problems are to be introduced in Camden.

The plans will include: a new mobile patrol unit to monitor suspended parking bays and release them back into use more quickly; e-mail alerts to notify drivers about suspensions in particular areas; and new charges to utility companies to encourage them to reduce the length of time suspensions are in place. Camden Council agreed the proposals at the Executive (Environment) Sub Group meeting last night (17 October).

Parking bay suspensions are a controversial issue for drivers in a borough where there is high demand for parking spaces and very busy roads. Parking bays need to be suspended for utility works to be done or when residents request them, for example to move house, and drivers should always check the nearby signs. However, residents had raised concerns about receiving a parking ticket because suspensions came into force whilst they were on holiday; bays being suspended but no work or activities carried out; and suspensions continuing after work has been completed.

Cllr Mike Greene, Executive Member for Environment, Camden Council said:

“We want to improve our parking system in Camden and make it fairer and clearer for everyone who uses the borough’s busy roads. Whilst parking bays have to be suspended from time to time and drivers must always check the signs, we are bringing in new ways of managing this. This will help minimise the frustrations experienced by residents and drivers and make it less likely that they will get a ticket for parking in a suspended bay.”

Under the new plans, staff from the council’s former clamping team will be redeployed immediately to make up the new mobile patrol, which will cover the entire borough and focus particularly on long-term suspensions. They will check that work is actually taking place in bays that have been suspended and whip off suspension hoods as soon as possible if work has finished. This means that in some cases bays will be back in use earlier than planned and drivers won’t have to risk parking in a suspended bay which could result in a ticket or towing.

In December residents will be able to sign up to a new service on the council’s website to receive e-mail alerts telling them about suspended bays in a particular street or Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ). This will provide tailored information in addition to the on street parking suspension signs that drivers are advised to check for details.

From 1 April 2007, utility companies carrying out road works will be charged £10 per day per suspended parking bay to encourage them to complete the work as quickly and efficiently on possible, and minimise traffic problems.



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Camden Council

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